The Danger of Trying To Sound Overly Positive

Does Joel Osteen know what the gospel is?

Joel Osteen

What did he say? Joel Osteen seems to be trying to take the middle of the road. In his attempt not to believe something, he ends up not believing anything.

Joel says that we cannot pass judgment. That is, we cannot inform others that if they do not believe in Jesus, they will go to hell. Joel says only God knows the heart. Yes He does, but the God who knows the heart is also the God who gave us these words:

John 3:18: Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.

John 3:36: Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him."

John 5:24: I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.

Mark 16:16: Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

John 8:24: I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins."

So you see, Jesus was able to say it, how come Joel cannot? Jesus stated that you either believe in Me or you will be condemned. With Jesus, you know exactly where He stands. With Joel, all you get is confusion! In his attempt in trying to please everyone, he ends up muddying the gospel. If the gospel becomes clouded, how effective is the message?